Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Reportage author James Corbett joins Jimmy to note that Japan's economy has been in a "zombie" state since its 1990s asset bubble burst, with prices barely moving for decades until recently, and now faces a falling yen and rising inflation driven in part by the Middle East conflict and import costs. Asked about how Japan handled COVID, he explains that the country was never under a formal lockdown or mask mandate, but widespread social pressure—what he calls "horizontal tyranny"—led most people to comply with measures like masking anyway.
Corbett points out that Japan's population is shrinking, with deaths exceeding births amid a persistent low fertility rate, though he notes he doesn't have the latest data on excess deaths. He traces Japan's stagnation to structural issues, including a fragile banking system and "zombie companies" that survived on ultra-low interest rates, while also suggesting Japan's technological progress stalled relative to China's rise.
James Corbett on YouTube: youtube.com/@corbettreport
James Corbett’s website: reportagebook.com
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#TheJimmyDoreShow is a hilarious and irreverent take on news, politics and culture featuring Jimmy Dore, a professional stand up comedian, author and podcaster. The show is also broadcast on Pacifica Radio Network stations throughout the country.
Reportage author James Corbett joins Jimmy to note that Japan's economy has been in a "zombie" state since its 1990s asset bubble burst, with prices barely moving for decades until recently, and now faces a falling yen and rising inflation driven in part by the Middle East conflict and import costs. Asked about how Japan handled COVID, he explains that the country was never under a formal lockdown or mask mandate, but widespread social pressure—what he calls "horizontal tyranny"—led most people to comply with measures like masking anyway.
Corbett points out that Japan's population is shrinking, with deaths exceeding births amid a persistent low fertility rate, though he notes he doesn't have the latest data on excess deaths. He traces Japan's stagnation to structural issues, including a fragile banking system and "zombie companies" that survived on ultra-low interest rates, while also suggesting Japan's technological progress stalled relative to China's rise.
James Corbett on YouTube: youtube.com/@corbettreport
James Corbett’s website: reportagebook.com
Become a Premium Member: jimmydore.com/premium-membership
Go to a Live Show: jimmydore.com/tour
Subscribe to Our Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/jimmydorecomedy/ytlivestreams
LIVESTREAM & LIVE SHOW ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Email: https://mailchi.mp/jimmydorecomedy/ytlivestreams
Twitter: twitter.com/jimmy_dore
Facebook: facebook.com/JimmyDoreShow
Instagram: instagram.com/thejimmydoreshow
WATCH / LISTEN FREE:
Videos: jimmydore.com
Podcasts: jimmydore.com (Also available on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your favorite podcast player.)
ACCESS TO FULL REPLAYABLE LIVESTREAMS:
Become a Premium Member: jimmydore.com/premium-membership
SUPPORT THE JIMMY DORE SHOW:
Make a Donation: jimmydore.com
Buy Official Merch (Tees, Sweatshirts, Hats, Bags): thejimmydoreshow.dashery.com
dobynsfamilycreations.com/collections/the-jimmy-dore-show-store
DOWNLOAD OUR MOBILE APP:
App Store: apps.apple.com/us/app/jimmy-dore/id839294547
Google Play: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jimmydore.jimmydore
Jimmy Dore on Twitter: twitter.com/Jimmy_Dore
Stef Zamorano on Twitter: twitter.com/miserablelib
About The Jimmy Dore Show:
#TheJimmyDoreShow is a hilarious and irreverent take on news, politics and culture featuring Jimmy Dore, a professional stand up comedian, author and podcaster. The show is also broadcast on Pacifica Radio Network stations throughout the country.
